Minutes of Barnston Parish Council Meeting held on

Monday 14th May 2007 at Barnston Village Hall

Present:

Mr R. Burlend (Chairman)

Mr G. Ball

Mr C. Brooks

Mr R. Townsend (Item 1)

Mrs S. Tuttlebury

Mrs P. Singleton

Mrs D. Jackaman (Clerk)

Apologies: Mrs S. Sellens, Mr M LeMasurier, Cllr E. Hicks, Cllr S. Barker (nee Flack)

1.0

ROAD SAFETY

1.1

Mr R. Townsend reported that a car had gone off the road and into the garden of Brook House.  Mrs P. Singleton reported that there had been a motorcycle accident near the bus stop.

1.2

It was requested that Highways repaint the road markings for the mini roundabout as these are not sufficiently clear.

Clerk

The meeting was closed at 7.50pm and the following was undertaken:

2.0

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND OFFICERS AND ADOPTION OF STANDING ORDERS

2.1

Mr G. Ball proposed that Mr R. Burlend should continue with his role as Chairman.  This was seconded by Mrs S. Tuttlebury.  Mrs P. Singleton proposed that Mr G. Ball should continue with his role as Vice-Chairman, seconded by Mr C. Brooks.  It was agreed that the Councillors would continue their roles as Parish Councillors responsible for:
Mr R. Burlend – Chairman & Finance
Mr G. Ball – Vice Chairman/Civil Defence
Mr M. LeMasurier – Village Hall, Footpaths & Stansted Airport
Mrs P. Singleton – Neighbourhood Watch
Mrs S. Tuttlebury – Public Transport
Mr C. Brooks – Barnston United Charities
Mrs H. Rothwell – Community/Health Issues
Vacancy – Community Care & Environmental Issues
Mr R. Townsend was invited to continue his excellent work as Road Safety Officer for the Parish Council.

2.2

Each Councillor to fill in a Declaration of Acceptance form and return to the Clerk at the next meeting.

The meeting reopened at 8.30pm

3.0

MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 2^nd April 2007 were approved and signed.

4.0

CLERKS REPORT

4.1

After much investigation, the Clerk has found out that Highways are responsible for the white bridge over the river.  A letter has been sent and telephone calls have been made to Highways.  Currently waiting for a response. 

Clerk

4.2

The Clerk has sent off forms to Highways for Consent to erect a gate on a Public Right of Way at the Watts Close play area.  Currently waiting for a response.

Clerk

4.3

The Clerk reported the dead tree outside the boundary of Millers to Highways – still waiting for tree to be cut down.

Clerk

4.3

 It was noted that a 5 year old child broke his leg whilst playing on the roundabout at Watts Close.  The roundabout has been removed.

4.4

An application for a grant from UDC to replace swings at the Village Hall play area has been sent off – awaiting response.

Clerk

An application for a grant from ECC to replace swings at Watts Close play area has been sent off – awaiting response.

Clerk

4.5

5 Mill Field – A query regarding the field at the back of the property has been raised.  Clerk chasing and still awaiting letter from UDC.

Clerk

4.6

It was noted that the annual safety check on the play areas has been undertaken.  It was recommended that the Climbing unit at the Village Hall play area be removed as it is rusty.  Clerk to action this.  It was also noted that signs at both play areas need to be put up.  Clerk to action this too.

Clerk

4.7

Salt Bin for Millers currently on order.  The Clerk advised that Highways are unable to fill the bin.  Clerk to order salt/grit and store in garage. 

Clerk

5.0

FINANCIAL  POSITION

5.1

The financial positions as at 30.04.07 were as follows: £10,120.99 in the current account and £768.21.  Totalling: £10,889.20. 

5.2

This total includes the £7,000 precept that has just been received.

5.3

RB to complete the Annual Audit for year ending 31^st March 2007.  It was agreed to ask Kate Coyne to review the audit.

5.4

A thank you letter has been received from Essex Air Ambulance.

5.5

It was noted that RB attended the Chairman’s day at EALC at a cost of £50.00

5.6

It was agreed to pay the annual subscription to the EALC at a cost of £205.52.

7.0

Minor Matters for immediate attention

7.1

Bowls club – It was noted that they had been refused a grant by the Lottery Foundation.  It was suggested that they try the Stansted Community Trust.

RB

8.0

Items for the next Agenda

Planned Parish Visit by Highways Working Party. 

Clerk

9.0

Planning Results:

UTT/0301/07/FUL – Proposed single storey rear and side extension and 2 No. new front bay windows.  Demolition of existing single storey rear extension and garage/workshop.  Fairmead, The Chase Barnston.  It was noted that this application has been GRANTED.
UTT/367/07/FUL – Erection of a cart shed/log store.  Tye Green Farmhouse, High Easter Road, Barnston.  It was noted that this application has been REFUSED.
UTT/0389/07/FUL – Two storey side extension with integral garage.  Porch to front.  30 Barnston Green, Barnston.  It was noted that this application has been REFUSED.

Planning Appeals:

UTT/1502/06/FUL – Variation of condition C.6.2. Pursuant to planning permission UTT/1029/03/FUL dated 07/08/2003, to allow the reinstatement of Permitted Development Rights within schedule 2, part 1, classes C, D, E and F and schedule 2, part 2, class A of Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) order 1995.  The Courtyard, Onslow Green, Barnston.  It was noted that an Appeal has been made to the Planning Inspectorate.

10.0

CHEQUES

The following cheques were agreed and signed at the meeting:

Travis Perkins Ltd

£    10.56

Wicksteed Leisure

£    80.00

EALC

£    50.00

EALC (annual subscription)

£  205.52

Acorn Services

£  881.25

Direct Debits/Standing Orders

UDC – Garage Rent

£  39.03

Virgin Mobile – Parish Council telephone calls

£    7.16

Just Lamps

£  45.53

E. On Energy

£  66.51

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.30pm.  The next Parish Council meeting will take place on Monday 11^th June 2007 at 7.45pm.